The Importance of Permanent Staff in Care Homes

In a care home, familiarity matters. Residents thrive on routine, trust and the comfort of seeing the same friendly faces each day. But when care homes rely on agency staff, that consistency disappears – leading to stress, confusion and a lower standard of care.

So why are some care homes still turning to agency carers? And what impact does it really have? Keep reading as we discuss why permanent staff should always come first.

In More Detail:

The Benefits of Permanent Staff in Care Homes

So why should care homes prioritise permanent staff over agency carers? Here’s why it makes all the difference.

Stronger Relationships = Better Care

Permanent staff get to know residents properly, not just their care plans, but their personalities, routines and little quirks. They know who likes their tea strong, who needs reassurance before bedtime and who loves a chat about vintage movies. With agency carers constantly changing, those personal connections are lost and care can feel clinical rather than compassionate.

More Stability for Residents

Imagine waking up each day unsure who will be helping you get dressed or serve your breakfast. For elderly residents, especially those with dementia, familiarity is everything. Permanent, in-house carers bring consistency and stability, giving a solid sense of safety, trust and emotional security. A care home should feel like home, not a place full of strangers.

Fewer Mistakes, Better Health Outcomes

When fully trained carers work with the same residents every day, they notice little things, like subtle changes in mood, appetite or behaviour, that could indicate an illness or medical issue. Catching these signs early can prevent hospital admissions, reduce suffering — and even save lives! Agency workers, no matter how skilled, don’t have the time to build this level of awareness.

A Happier, More Motivated Team

A strong, permanent team boosts morale for staff too. Carers who work together consistently build trust, teamwork and a positive culture. They support each other, communicate better and take pride in their work. In contrast, constantly relying on agency staff creates disruption, resentment and burnout, leading to even higher staff turnover.

Better Communication with Families

Families want to know their loved ones are cared for by people they can trust, and permanent staff build relationships with relatives, keeping them informed and reassured. They can provide real insights – how Mum’s been sleeping, whether Dad’s appetite has changed, rather than just repeating what’s in the care notes. Personal connection and communication just aren’t possible when staff are constantly changing.

Long-Term Cost Savings

It might seem like agency carers are a quick and easy solution, but they’re actually more expensive in the long run. Care homes pay higher fees for agency staff and the hidden costs (constant training, inefficiencies and mistakes) add up fast. Care homes that invest in a well-trained, permanent team reduce turnover, improve care standards and ultimately save money.

The Risks of Using Agency Carers in Care Homes

Relying on agency carers may seem like a quick fix for staffing shortages, but it often comes at a cost – to residents, to care quality and to the care home itself. We’re not ignoring the fact that many agency workers are compassionate, kind, experienced and skilled, but the high turnover negatively affects how a care home operates.

Here are those risks in more detail:

Lack of Continuity Leads to Poorer Quality of Care

Permanent carers know their residents inside out, including their routines, medical needs and preferences. Agency carers, however, are often parachuted in with little knowledge of individual residents, leading to impersonal and inconsistent care.

Increased Stress and Anxiety for Residents

For elderly residents, especially those with dementia, familiarity and routine are essential. Seeing a different carer every day can be distressing, confusing and even frightening. A care home should feel safe and predictable, not like a revolving door of unfamiliar faces.

Higher Risk of Mistakes and Miscommunication

A permanent care team thoroughly understands care plans, medication schedules and emergency procedures. Agency carers, however, work in different care homes with varying protocols, increasing the risk of missed medications, incorrect care routines and serious errors.

Less Accountability and Commitment

In-house carers are part of a team with shared values and responsibilities, invested in their residents and the care home’s standards. Agency staff, however, often work on short-term contracts and may not have the same level of commitment, teamwork or accountability.

Higher Costs Without Long-Term Benefits

As mentioned earlier, carers sent from agencies often cost more per shift than permanent staff. Care homes pay agency fees on top of wages, making it an expensive, short-term solution. Meanwhile, investing in permanent staff improves care quality, reduces turnover and boosts team morale, saving money in the long run.

Negative Impact on Staff Morale

A constantly changing workforce creates tension and frustration for permanent staff who may feel they’re constantly training new people, picking up the slack or struggling to maintain team cohesion – all of which leads to higher burnout and more resignations.

A Care Home Is Only as Strong as Its Team

Care homes run best when they have a solid, permanent team. It’s as simple as that. When staff are consistent, everything works better. Residents feel at ease, carers know their jobs inside out and the whole place runs more smoothly.

At Premium Care Group, we never use agency staff. Our team is made up entirely of permanent, in-house carers who are committed to providing the best care possible. With low staff turnover and many long-standing team members, we create the stability, trust and high-quality care every resident deserves.